New Mexico has taken the tremendous hospitality I am experiencing in the United States to a whole new level.
Everywhere we go in this beautiful state people welcome us with open arms. They feed my ponies, offer us a comfy bed to rest, and plead for us to stay a day or two! Our first hosts, Ken and Joy Clarke, even gave me a signed New Mexico flag that I have been flying on top of my pack saddle.
“This is a tradition in the Military,” Ken told me as he handed me the bright yellow flag.
This past week I had the pleasure of getting to know two very special people. The first is Karen Hardy. The mother, horse-trainer, writer, superhero (the list goes on), owns Santa Fe Stables. Karen heard about Journey America through the internet and this week she drove to San Acacia to ride with me! Along with her daughter Olivia, close friend Jennifer and Emma we rode around 20 miles south to Socorro.
“When I heard about your trip early on while you were still in Montana I said, ‘ if this kid makes it to New Mexico I have to ride with him,'” she told me as we followed the ditch bank.
I have gained a new mother in New Mexico. Karen is constantly checking in on us and has invited Emma and I to spend thanksgiving with her family. They are renting a guest house in a ranch just outside of Roswell, where I am headed. How amazing is that? I don’t even have the words to thank her…
In San Acacia I also had the opportunity of getting to know Dacodah Herkenhoff, owner of Acacia Riding Adventures (ARA). The farrier and horseman lived in Brazil for several years, so we became instant friends. He took Emma and I on an amazing ride that we will never forget! Breathtaking views, canyons and gorgeous horses alongside the best staff ever make ARA a hard place to leave! We showed up planning to leave the next morning and ended up staying over the weekend.
On Sunday, November 18, we joined both of these extraordinary human beings in the Socorro toys for tots Christmas Parade. With over 500 horsemen and women we rode through the small town in order to collect donations for less fortunate children. It was a great experience!
After thanksgiving I will ride south towards Texas as I make my way to the Mexican border 🙂
